NFM and Channel 4 to deliver artist film talent development programme
Newcastle-based creative industry development agency Northern Film & Media has struck a partnership with Channel 4 to launch a pilot programme designed to enable artists to develop narrative work after securing Arts Council funding.
The Artist’s Cut will see Northern Film & Media partner with Channel 4 to programme a series of developmental workshops aimed at producing two narrative pieces. Inspired by the recent success of films by directors such as Steve McQueen, Sam Taylor-Wood and Gillian Wearing, the initiative will be delivered with a view to developing longer form film or television propositions.
Participants will undertake an intensive mentoring programme covering storytelling, cinematography, casting, directing, distribution and marketing strategies. Confirmed contributors include leading script editor and former Film4 head of development Kate Leys (The Full Monty, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Trainspotting), Channel 4 commissioning editor for arts Tabitha Jackson, producer Samm Haillay (Better Things, Self-Made) and Susie Wright, Channel 4’s media project manager for creative diversity.
The Artist’s Cut follows in the footsteps of Film4ward – the Northern Film & Media and Film4 film talent development initiative that has resulted in four North East filmmakers producing feature packages. The Artist’s Cut will provide an opportunity for North East artists to break into film and is designed to build on Channel 4’s creative diversity drive.
Northern Film & Media previously invested in Self Made – the directorial debut from Turner Prize winning artist Gillian Wearing. Self Made was shot in the North East and co-produced by Newcastle-based indie Third Films. The film was released theatrically and has shown at leading contemporary art galleries across the globe.
“The Artist’s Cut will provide a structured, industry-focused development opportunity for North East artists to explore the intersection of art, film, TV and digital media," said Agnes Wilkie, Northern Film & Media's creative director.
"We’re confident that the funding received from Arts Council England and Channel 4’s commitment to new talent will deliver breakthrough results.”
"Channel 4 is committed to finding and engaging with the next generation of outstanding talent and giving it a platform, and so we are delighted to be able to offer our support to this initiative being run by Northern Film &Media, added Susie Wright, Media Project Manager, Creative Diversity, Channel 4.
"The North East of England has a wealth of creative talent, and this scheme will help us to tap into a part of the creative industries that can really bring something new to film/TV.
"The Artist’s Cut feels particularly timely, when you consider that last year’s Turner Prize Event was for the first time ever held outside of London at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead."
“Thanks to the recent successes of high-profile artists, the profile of moving image has benefited from increased focus," concluded Alison Clark-Jenkins, Arts Council England North East's regional director.
"This collaboration will support the next generation of artists working in this field to live and work in the north east.”
The Artist’s Cut is supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England and by the ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-13. The ERDF programme is bringing over £300m into the North East to support innovation, enterprise and business support across the region.
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